Escape to Winter Island, Freight Island and Mayfield Park  

Freight Island has transformed into a seasonal extravaganza with a host of Christmas events for all to get involved in. From build-your-own hot chocolate pop-up to a wreath making workshop, Escape to Winter Island will be the UK’s largest heated outdoor and indoor winter festival. Along with the market festivities, you can also explore the Twilight Trail in the adjacent 6.5-acre Mayfield Park. An immersive light and sound show that has turned the park into a dazzling city-centre winter escape. 

For more information, visit here and here.

Scranchester Tours, Mackie Mayor 

Be a guest in your city and embark on a gastronomic adventure with Scranchester Tours. Sampling some of the best food and drink spots the city has to offer, with an insight into the culinary history of Manchester’s eclectic dining scene. 

The 3-to-4 hour tour will reveal fascinating facts about Manchester's food history, touch on food science and take in some magnificent local food along the way. 

You can find more information on Scranchester Tours here. 

Afternoon Tea, Tatton Park  

Located in the former head Gardener’s Cottage at Tatton Park, the perfect location for a festive celebratory Afternoon Tea. Enjoy the special Christmas menu with handmade cakes and pastries, festive favourite finger sandwiches and savoury tarts. The festive Afternoon tea runs from 25th November until the 30th December, so perfect for pre-Christmas meet ups or as an early present for a loved one.  

To book Afternoon Tea at Tatton Park, visit here. 

Skate Manchester Ice Rink, Cathedral Gardens  

Get into the festive spirit with Skate Manchester as they welcome back their much-loved Ice Rink in Cathedral Gardens. Enjoy skating by starlight under the cover of the rink’s roof, meaning you can skate in any weather and enjoy the wintery atmosphere. Running from 27th October until 2nd January, enjoy gliding through the ice path and admire the sparkling Christmas decoration.  

Book your skating session here. 

Fairytale of New York, AO Arena  

Direct from the West End and after multiple sell-out tours, the ultimate feel-good show, Fairytale of New York is coming back to Manchester. This magical show will have everyone on their feet singing, laughing and dancing in the aisles in time for Christmas! 

From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights-The Story of The Dubliners and featuring an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers Fairytale of New York brings you all your favourite Christmas songs including Driving home for Christmas, White Christmas, Oh Holy Night, Winter’s Tale, Silent Night and of course The Fairytale of New York. 

Coming to Manchester on the 4th December at the AO Arena, secure your tickets here. 

For more ideas to make the most of the city-region, or to plan your ideal trip to Manchester, visit our Ideas and Inspirations page 

To find out more about events taking place around Greater Manchester this Christmas, visit our Whats On page.